Cell Phone Use in a Motor Vehicle Law
As of July 1, 2004
39:4-97.3 Use of hands-free wireless telephone in moving vehicle; definitions; enforcement.
1a. The use of wireless telephone by an operator of a moving motor vehicle on a public road or highway shall be unlawful except when the telephone is a hands-free wireless telephone, provided that its placement does not interfere with the operation of federally required equipment and the operator exercises a high degree of caution in the operation of the motor vehicle.
b. The operator of a motor vehicle may use a hand-held wireless telephone while driving with one hand on the steering wheel only if:
(1) The operator has reason to fear for his life or safety, or believes that a criminal act may be perpetrated against himself or another person; or
(2) The operator is using the telephone to report to appropriate authorizes a fire, a traffic accident, a serious road hazard or medial or hazardous materials emergency, or to report the operator of another motor vehicle who is driving in a reckless, careless or otherwise unsafe manner or who appears to be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A hand-held wireless telephone user’s telephone records or the testimony of written statements from appropriate authorizes receiving such calls shall be deemed sufficient evidence of the existence of all lawful calls made under this paragraph.
As used in this act, “hands-free wireless telephone” means a mobile that has an internal feature or function, or that is equipped with an attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of such mobile telephone, by which a user engages in a conversation without the use of either hand; provided, however, this definition shall not preclude the use of either hand to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the telephone.
“Use” of a wireless telephone shall include, but not be limited to, talking or listening to another person on the telephone.
c. Enforcement of this act by State or local law enforcement officers shall be accomplished only as a secondary action when the operator of a motor vehicle has been detained for a violation of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes or another offense.
d. A person who violates this section shall be fined no less than $100 or more than $250.
e. No motor vehicle points or automobile insurance eligibility points pursuant to section 26 of P.L. 1990, c.8 (C.17.33.B-14) shall be assessed for this offense.
f. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall develop and undertake a program to notify and inform the public as to the provisions of this act, L.2003,c.310,s,1
39:4-97.4 Inapplicability of act to certain officials.
2. The prohibitions set forth in this act shall not be applicable to any of the following persons while in the actual performance of their official duties: a law enforcement officer; a member of a paid, part-paid, or volunteer fire department or company; or an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle. L.2003,c.310,s.2.
39:4-97.5 Supersedes, preemption of local ordinances.
3. This act supersedes and preempts all ordinances of any county or municipality with regard to the use of a wireless telephone by an operator of a motor vehicle. L.2003,c.310,s.3.